Alexandrite - Birthstone For June!

I love Alexandrites, it's one of my personal favorites that I have set in a beautiful ring. Fun to wear and a great conversation piece.

Alexandrite is a dramatic color change gemstone in the chrysoberyl family. "Emerald by day, Ruby by night." This gem is a lovely green in daylight or fluorescent lighting and purplish red in incandescent light. ironically, the green/red Alexandrite mirrored the colors of the Russian flag.

Discovered in the Ural Mountains, Russia in 1830, the rare Alexandrite is a gemstone with very high appeal and high prices. Recently Alexandrites have been found in Sri Lanka, East Africa and Brazil. A fine quality Alexandrite with excellent color change can go as high as $45,000 per carat. There is also a cabochon cut cat's eye Alexandrite, that is a prized gemstone.

Alexandrite is a very unique gemstone that is very durable in jewelry as it is 8 1/2 on the Mohs scale for hardness.

Your Alexandrite is usually safe for cleaning with ultra sonic or steam cleaners. ( I do not like taking the chance.) Warm soapy water is always safe.